TTC Silent Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that provides a quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red and the Jwick Taro are two excellent options to consider. The Silent Red is well-known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, making it a perfect choice for those who value a noise-free environment, whether it be in an office or a shared living space. With its muted sound profile, you can enjoy quiet typing while still maintaining a satisfying feel from top to bottom. Additionally, the Silent Red offers a padded bottom-out feel, adding an extra level of comfort to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium-level of tactility. Its acute and crisp clacks further enhance the satisfaction of each keystroke. While these general pointers give you a good starting point in choosing between the two switches, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Silent Red and Jwick Taro switches have some notable similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from the polycarbonate top housing of both the Silent Red and Taro switches.
On the other hand, the differences lie in the choice of bottom housing material. The Silent Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Taro also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on both the Silent Red and Taro switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the TTC Silent Red and Jwick Taro switches are the same, the differences lie in the bottom housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics from both switches, with the main difference being in the type of plastic used for the bottom housing. Whether one prefers the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Red or the softer nylon bottom housing of the Taro may depend on personal preference and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Silent Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force for the Taro switch is currently unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which provides a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Taro switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range. Both switches offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed.
Considering the weight of the switches, it is worth mentioning that some individuals prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. This lighter weight allows for increased endurance and reduced finger fatigue. However, there are also users who prefer a heavier switch, as it provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. For these individuals, a switch with a heavier force is more suitable.
Overall, while the actuation force for the Taro switch is currently unknown, we can still compare the bottom out forces of both switches, which are similar and categorized as medium-heavy. As for weight preferences, it ultimately depends on the user's personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, both have a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a linear switch or a tactile switch, both the TTC Silent Red and Jwick Taro switches provide a consistent travel distance for smooth and precise keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
The Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Silent Red switch is best known for its muted profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical switches. The Silent Red switch is specifically designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an excellent choice for office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it falls in the middle ground, neither too loud nor too quiet. It has a moderate sound level that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use it at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the TTC Silent Red and Jwick Taro switches share some similarities. They are both described as having a buttery feel, which implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This means that typing with these switches is seamless, effortless, and provides a uniform sensation. The Silent Red switch is also described as having a mild feel, which means it offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone that most users will find approachable. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is referred to as polished, indicating that it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Taro switch is described as stepped, which means it provides a tactile experience with two stages. It has a mild feel with some noticeable pre-travel and/or post-travel. This adds a unique dimension to the typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Jwick Taro switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Silent Red switch stands out for its muted sound profile and smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a quieter typing experience in office or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a medium-level of tactility, resulting in acute and crisp clacks. It offers a cozy typing experience with a snappy feel. Both switches offer a buttery typing experience, but the Silent Red switch is also described as mild and polished, while the Taro switch is stepped. If you are looking for a similar typing experience to the Silent Red but prefer a more tactile feel, the Taro switch may be a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you value a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice for you. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switch provides a consistent and comfortable typing experience, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience with acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is the way to go. The Taro switch offers a snappy, medium-level of tactility, providing a cozy and enjoyable typing experience. With its stepped design, you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience. In terms of sound, the Silent Red switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. The Taro switch, on the other hand, has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. Overall, the Silent Red switch is best for those seeking a smooth and quiet typing experience, while the Taro switch is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience with a moderate sound profile. Depending on your preferences and needs, either switch can be a great addition to your mechanical keyboard.
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